KINETIC MODELING OF A BIOREACTOR FOR H2S REMOVAL FROM GASES

Abstract

A part from the variety of biochemical processes using various bacterial species that have been reported in literature for H2S removal. A chemo biological process utilizing T.ferrooxidans for H2S removal is one of the most promising microbiological alternatives. This process operates in two stages. In the first stage, H2S present in fuel gas and emissions is selectively oxidised to elemental sulphur by a chemical oxidation process using ferric sulphate solution as an oxidant. In the second stage, the reduced oxidant (ferrous sulphate) is biologically oxidized for recycling it to the first stage of the process. Of the two steps involved in this process, the bio-oxidation of ferrous iron is a potential industrial process for the regeneration of ferric iron .Over years, a number of studies have been aimed at improving the rate of ferrous iron oxidation by iron — oxidizing bacteria. Various rate expressions that were proposed in literature for ferrous sulphate oxidation of this microorganism were discussed briefly. The aim of the work described here is to develop a kinetic model of bioreactor and estimate the growth kinetic parameters. The validity of mathematical model proposed is checked with published experimental data